No more ‘someday,’ time now for new school

Valley View Elementary
Architect’s rendition of a new Valley View Elementary.

We need a new school. The time is now, no more “someday,” no more dreams. It is time for the reality of a new school. This building is cold, with cracked walls that threaten its structural integrity, and the plumbing is on the brink of failure. Toilets are consistently backed up, and one bathroom has been shut down indefinitely because the floors are beyond repair due to water damage.

The classrooms are in four separate buildings, with the library and gym also in different buildings. This isn’t a good situation but it’s something our children simply have to accept. They are cold. Sometimes it is cold enough inside to wear coats in class. They definitely have to wear coats to move from the classroom to the library or gym outside in the cold or the rain. Many of them don’t know any different. This is the only school they’ve ever attended, but it’s not good enough. They deserve better.

This November, we face an important decision. It’s a decision about the safety and well-being of our children and grandchildren. They deserve to be in a building that is safe, warm, and a place to learn without worry. Do we want our kids to attend school in a place that risks their safety because of an unstable building? I know I don’t.

When you cast your vote this November, please remember that this isn’t just about a building. This is about treating our children with the care and respect they deserve. They matter. Their safety matters. Let’s step up and provide them with a new school. A school that they can be proud of and that will support their future success.

I hope you’ll agree that this is the right decision for all of our kids.

Pam Copeland
Bonners Ferry

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